Portrait of Denis Leonard Unveiling in the Bishops' Palace

 On Friday the 25 th of June, Limerick Civic Trust paid a fitting tribute to its founder and former Director, Denis Leonard, who sadly passed away last November. A portrait painted and donated by renowned artist and friend of Mr. Leonard, Dr. Tom Ryan RHA, was unveiled in the Hall of Fame Gallery at the Bishops' Palace, and takes prominent position in a room adorned by famous Limerick faces from past and present.

Dr. James Ring, manager of the Civic Trust, said“I don't think there could be a more suitable tribute to a man who did as much for Limerick City . Denis Leonard has a left a fantastic legacy behind, and it is up to us to ensure it carries on. Denis undoubtedly deserves to be remembered as a great Limerick man”.

Mr. Leonard set up the Limerick Civic Trust in 1983 and ran it right up to his death last year. The trust is built around the ethos of “improvement of our environment by positive action”. Since its inception, the trust has overseen countless restoration, conservation and historic projects, its two flagship projects being the restoration of the Bishops Palace and the Georgian House.

Gabriel Wallace O'Donnell, chairperson of the Limerick Civic Trust added "Denis loved Limerick and was a fantastic example of what can be achieved. He led by example and was inspiration to us all. He is and always will be missed and remembered by Limerick Civic Trust"

Quoting a letter from Dr.David Fletcher of the Pennine Heritage Trust in England, who visited Limerick in 1981 to give a talk, Ms.Wallace-O'Donnell said: “I have launched many a civic trust and recognised in Denis a man of enthusiasm and energy but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine how speedily and effectively he would galvanise the people of Limerick to action, your civic trust is by far the most successful I have ever met. You have been outstanding. Such things never rest on the energy of any individual, but Denis not only lit the spark, he also kept the fire of progress burning for more than quarter of a century. It is truly fitting that you are honouring him, and I know that you will also keep the good working in his memory.”

L/R Dr.Tom Ryan, Edmund Pery, Deirdre Leonard,Cllr.Kevin Kiely, Gabrielle Wallace O'Donnell and Deirdre Hannon.

Deirdre Leonard with her daughters, Kate, Sarah and Rachel

The Pauper's Burial Ground, St Brigid's Graveyard

During the great famine 1840/46, thousands of victims of hunger and disease were buried in large plots without ceremony or record. A commemorative cross was erected possibly in the 1940's to remember these unfortunates. This cross was damaged by weathering and the elements. A replacement cross was erected by Limerick Civic Trust and dedicated to the memories of these unfortunate and forgotten people. The formal blessing of the new memorial cross took place on 23 rd June 2010 and was attended by the former Mayor Cllr. Kevin Kiely, and the new appointed Manager of Limerick Civic Trust Dr. James Ring . The new cross stands some 5.5m high dominating the skyline.

Richard Russell Fountain

The refurbishment of the Richard Russell fountain in the Peoples' Park is due to be completed by mid September this prominent landmark in Limerick City is an exciting project for Limerick Civic Trust.

Limerick Civic Trust commissioned a leading conservation company Eura Conservation Ltd. to refurbish the deteriorating fountain to its former glory. It took a week to dismantle and prepare for shipment. Each section of the fountain has to be stripped back, sanded down and repaired where necessary, it will then be treated and painted to its original splendour. When it returns, to the park it will take almost two weeks to fit into place, in addition it will have subtle up-lighting at night.

The Fountain in the Peoples' Park was erected in 1877 in honour of Richard Russell a highly regarded employer in Limerick . The Fountain has been an endearing part of the landscape and memories ever since. Originally made by the Sun Foundary there are only two such fountains in Ireland, the other being the Jaffe Fountain in Victoria Square in Belfast which was also successfully restored by Eura Conservation Ltd..

Made in Limerick Vol. II On Sale Now

This second volume in the series published by Limerick Civic Trust investigates further the history of industries, trades and commerce of Limerick. Made in Limerick fills a void in local history studies as previosly no systematic study has been undertaken exploring the subject. The series provides a valuable service as a platform for specialist articles and essays on the city's business and commercial development that would not normally see the light of day in traditional local history publications. Made in Limerick Vol. II encompasses a wide variety of topics ranging from the foundation of the city by the vikings in the early tenth century to the present day economic development of Limerick City. Made in Limerick Vol. II is edited by David Lee & Debbie Jacobs and retails at:€30 softback / €75 hardback.

Limerick Attractions Guide – Re. printed   

This guide to the various visitor attractions in Limerick City is the only specialist guide of it’s kind for the city. It gives all the relevant information for each of the venues. The guide won a World Award in 2004 and is one of the most useful guides for this region. An up-dated version of the guide has been prepared and 50,000 copies printed.